1. Introduction

Welcome to Intelligence VIP Protection Services (“IPS”, “we”, “us”, “our”). By requesting, accepting, or paying for our services, you agree to these Terms & Conditions. IPS is a PSIRA-registered provider of guarding, VIP protection, private/corporate investigations, electric fencing, and integrated security systems in South Africa.

For certain engagements (e.g., VIP protection, large-scale deployments), IPS may require a signed service agreement. If there is any conflict, the signed agreement prevails over these Terms.

2. Services

• VIP Protection: close protection, convoy escort, advances, event security. Client adherence to protocols is mandatory.
• Security Guarding: commercial, residential, industrial, and temporary assignments.
• Investigations: surveillance, fraud, due diligence, internal theft, intelligence reports. Best efforts only; outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
• Electric Fencing: design, installation, maintenance, compliance certificates.
• Security Systems: CCTV (incl. AI analytics), access control, fire & safety, integrations.

All services are subject to site/risk assessment, written quotation, and written acceptance (including email/WhatsApp confirmation from the client’s authorized representative).

3. Client Responsibilities

• Provide accurate information, lawful access, and cooperation with IPS personnel.
• Follow IPS security protocols; failure may reduce efficacy and shift risk to the client.
• Designate a single point of contact available during operations.
• Report material incidents to IPS within 24 hours to enable response and investigation.

4. Fees, Deposits, Payment & Refunds

• 70% non-refundable deposit: Unless otherwise agreed in writing, a 70% non-refundable deposit is required before commencement. No work begins until the deposit has cleared. The deposit secures personnel, equipment, and scheduling. If the client cancels after IPS has mobilized resources, the deposit is forfeited.
• Invoices & due date: Unless otherwise stated, invoices are due on receipt. Late balances accrue 2% monthly interest.
• Disputes: Invoice disputes must be raised in writing within 7 days of receipt with supporting details.
• Retainers: Investigation/VIP retainers become non-refundable once work commences.
• Chargebacks: Clients must first attempt good-faith resolution with IPS before any card or bank dispute. Unauthorized or bad-faith chargebacks incur a 15% administrative fee (of the disputed amount) plus reasonable collection and legal costs.
• Refunds: If applicable, refunds are at IPS’s discretion and subject to South African consumer law.

5. Regulatory Compliance (PSIRA)

All deployments comply with the Private Security Industry Regulation Act (PSIRA). Armed response, firearms handling, arrests, and use of force follow legal thresholds and IPS SOPs. Only PSIRA-registered personnel perform regulated services.

6. Non-Solicitation of IPS Personnel

Clients agree not to directly or indirectly employ, contract, engage, or solicit any IPS staff, guards, or investigators for 12 months after the last service date. A violation incurs a placement fee equal to 6 months of the employee’s IPS salary (or R50,000 per hire, whichever is higher). IPS may terminate services immediately for breaches of this clause.

7. Confidentiality & Evidence Handling

Client matters are confidential. Investigative materials follow chain-of-custody practices. IPS may disclose information if legally compelled (e.g., court order, subpoena) or for lawful reporting.

8. Liability, Indemnity & Client Warranties

• No guarantees: While IPS exercises professional care, outcomes (e.g., investigative results, deterrence, incident prevention) depend on external factors. Clients must maintain adequate insurance coverage.
• Cap: IPS’s total liability for any claim is limited to 150% of the fees paid for the specific service giving rise to the claim.
• Exclusions: IPS is not liable for indirect, consequential, punitive, special, or exemplary damages.
• Indemnity: Client indemnifies IPS against claims, losses, penalties, or damages arising from inaccurate instructions, unlawful requests, failure to follow IPS protocols, or interference with operations.
• Incident window: Material incidents must be reported to IPS within 24 hours.

8.1 Client Warranties

• Instructions to IPS will be lawful, accurate, and complete.
• The client will not interfere with IPS operations or personnel and will not bypass IPS to hire personnel independently.
• The client will ensure cooperation with IPS protocols by all persons under their control at the service location(s).

Breach of these warranties may void liability protections and entitle IPS to terminate services immediately.

9. Termination & Reinstatement

• Either party may terminate on written notice. IPS may terminate immediately for safety, illegality, or non-payment.
• Re-starting a terminated contract may require a reinstatement fee and a new risk assessment.

10. Force Majeure

Neither party is liable for delay/failure due to events beyond reasonable control, including but not limited to strikes, riots, protests, civil unrest, acts of terrorism, pandemics/epidemics, government actions, utility/grid failure, load shedding, severe weather, or supply-chain disruptions.

11. Survival, Entire Agreement & Changes

• Survival: Sections 4 (Fees), 6 (Non-Solicitation), 7 (Confidentiality), 8 (Liability), and 12 (Governing Law & Disputes) survive termination or expiry.
• Entire Agreement: These Terms (and any signed IPS agreement or quotation accepted by the client) constitute the entire agreement concerning the services.
• Changes: IPS may update these Terms; the current version and effective date will appear on this page.

12. Governing Law & Disputes

These Terms are governed by the laws of South Africa. The parties will attempt good-faith resolution; failing that, the competent courts of Gauteng have jurisdiction.

13. Contact